Video shows OK police dragging man at airport

Authorities in Oklahoma City are investigating a Feb. 20 incident in which a handcuffed man, accused of trying to sneak past a security checkpoint at Will Rogers World Airport, was reportedly dragged, face-down, by his feet after being tased several times by Oklahoma City Police officers, according to News9.com in Oklahoma.The incident was captured by surveillance cameras.

“What we have seen on the video caused us some concern,” said Captain Dexter Nelson with the Oklahoma City Police Department. “That’s why we launched the investigation.”

A police report from February 20 showed James Heidebrecht tried to enter a secure area. When an officer confronted Heidebrecht, the suspect claimed he was part of the CIA and was at the airport to meet presidential candidate Newt Gingrich.

The man can be heard in the security footage claiming, “I’m with the CIA.” In the police report, officers described Heidebrecht as combative. The security video shows one officer shoved Heidebrecht to get the man away. That was then an officer fired his taser, striking Heidebrecht. The audio from the recordings revealed that officers repeatedly commanded the suspect to “put your hands behind your back.”

One of the officers was placed on restrictive duty, according to reports. The charges against Heidebrecht — trespassing, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest — were dismissed.